The United Kingdom is making a decisive move to break free from global supply chain vulnerabilities, announcing on November 28, 2025 its Vision 2035 Critical Minerals Strategy. It’s not just about phones and electric cars anymore — it’s about national security. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), under direction from Industry Minister Chris McDonald and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, laid out a plan to produce 10% of the UK’s critical mineral needs domestically and recycle 20% by 2035. And here’s the kicker: no more than 60% of any single mineral can come from one country. That’s a direct rebuke to the current reality — where China controls 70% of global rare earth mining and 90% of refining. For too long, Britain’s tech, defense, and green energy sectors have been sitting ducks.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Think about your smartphone. Or your electric car. Or the wind turbine powering your neighborhood. All of them rely on minerals like lithium, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements — substances you never hear about until they disappear. Right now, the UK imports 100% of 26 out of 34 critical minerals identified by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre. Another six? More than 90% imported. That’s not just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. When China added seven rare earth elements and permanent magnets to its export control list in April 2025, it wasn’t a surprise. It was a warning shot.
And the demand? It’s exploding. By 2035, the UK will need 11 times more lithium than it does today. Copper demand will nearly double. These aren’t theoretical projections — they’re baked into the government’s infrastructure and net-zero plans. Without action, the UK’s green transition stalls. Fighter jets like the F-35? Their magnets come from rare earth alloys only found in one Western source — and right now, that source is under threat.
Where the UK Will Mine Its Future
The strategy isn’t just talk. It’s got locations. Real places. In Cornwall, Europe’s largest lithium deposit lies buried beneath old tin mines. The government is betting big on reviving this region’s mining heritage — targeting at least 50,000 tonnes of lithium production by 2035. That’s more than the weight of the Titanic. In Clydach, Swansea, one of Europe’s biggest nickel refineries is already operational, and now it’s getting a boost. Meanwhile, North East England — County Durham and Teesside — and Devon are being mapped for tungsten and other high-value minerals.
But mining isn’t enough. Recycling is central. The government wants to turn old electronics, EV batteries, and industrial scrap into new feedstock. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and less geopolitically risky. The Department for Business and Trade will fund up to £50 million in pilot projects — from urban mining startups to automated battery disassembly lines. This isn’t charity. It’s an industrial policy with teeth.
Shielding the Supply Chain
Behind the scenes, the government is tightening the screws on foreign investment. The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act is being revised. A new standalone category for critical minerals is under review, following a consultation that closed on October 14, 2025. That means any foreign takeover of a UK lithium mine or rare earth processor could be blocked — no questions asked.
And trade policy? It’s shifting. The UK plans to introduce new laws allowing tariffs to be raised against unfair practices — think dumping or state subsidies. It’s also pushing back against export controls, even from allies. The message to the US and EU? Don’t weaponize mineral access. And to China? We’re not asking for permission. We’re building alternatives.
Global Chess Game
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The US under Trump began its own rare earth push — and now, under Biden, it’s deepening alliances with Australia, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. China’s recent one-year suspension of export restrictions on rare earths? A tactical pause, not a retreat. The UK’s strategy mirrors Washington’s but adds its own twist: a stronger emphasis on recycling and domestic processing, not just mining.
Libby Peake, head of resource policy at Green Alliance, put it bluntly: "It’s time to manage the geopolitical risks — and the human rights abuses tied to mining." The UK’s plan doesn’t ignore these issues. It includes commitments to ethical sourcing, environmental safeguards, and labor standards. That’s not greenwashing. It’s risk mitigation. A mine that sparks protests or ecological damage is a mine that gets shut down.
What Comes Next?
The £50 million funding is just the start. The next big milestone? The Spending Review 2025, which will determine how the money flows. The DBT will report on updates to the Notifiable Acquisition Regulations by early 2026. Expect to see pilot projects in Cornwall and Swansea go live by 2027. International partnerships — with Canada, Australia, and possibly Chile — are already in early talks.
Will the UK hit its targets? It’s ambitious. But the alternative — staying dependent on China for the very minerals that power our future — is unthinkable. This isn’t just an economic plan. It’s a survival strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this strategy affect everyday consumers?
In the short term, prices for EVs and electronics may rise slightly as companies invest in new supply chains. But by 2035, the goal is stable, predictable pricing — no more supply shocks from geopolitical crises. Recycling programs may also lead to better trade-in deals for old phones and batteries. The real win? Avoiding blackouts or production halts in key industries like renewable energy and defense.
Why focus on Cornwall and Swansea?
Cornwall holds Europe’s largest known lithium deposit, with geological surveys confirming high-grade reserves beneath former mining sites. Swansea’s Clydach facility is already a major nickel refinery — the only one in Western Europe with the capacity to process battery-grade material. Leveraging existing infrastructure cuts costs and timelines. These aren’t random choices — they’re the most viable starting points for domestic production.
What’s the risk of this strategy failing?
The biggest risk is delay. Mining permits take years. Public opposition to new mines is growing. If recycling tech doesn’t scale fast enough, the UK could still be stuck importing 80% of its lithium by 2035. Also, if global prices crash — say, due to a breakthrough in synthetic alternatives — private investment could dry up. The government’s funding must be patient and strategic.
How does this compare to the EU or US efforts?
The US has invested over $10 billion since 2021 in rare earth processing and is nearly self-sufficient in some elements. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act is similar but slower-moving. The UK’s plan is more aggressive on recycling targets (20% vs. EU’s 15%) and faster on regulatory reform. But it lacks the scale of the US or the funding of the EU. Its edge? Speed and focus on high-impact, low-volume minerals like rare earths and lithium.
Will this create new jobs?
Yes — and that’s the political win. The government estimates 15,000–20,000 new jobs by 2035 across mining, refining, recycling, and engineering. Many will be in former industrial regions like Cornwall and Teesside, where unemployment has lingered for decades. Skills training programs are already being rolled out in partnership with local colleges. This isn’t just about minerals — it’s about revitalizing forgotten economies.
Is China really the only threat?
No. While China dominates refining, other countries pose risks too. The DRC supplies over 70% of the world’s cobalt — often mined under brutal conditions. Australia and Canada are stable but have limited processing capacity. Political instability in South America could disrupt lithium supplies. The UK’s goal isn’t to cut China out entirely — it’s to avoid being held hostage by any single source. Diversification is the real strategy.
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